Mrs GSW

Woodpeckers were apparently quite rare in Ireland, due to lack of suitable habitat, but over the last few years have been making a comeback. 

W had seen a greater spotted woodpecker once before on our birdfeeder.  But this is the first time I'd seen her.  She's been back several times this evening - hopefully that means she is feeding babies.  She's quite a messy eater, but the sparrows and dunnocks are happy to clean up beneath her.  She supercedes the garden blip I had planned.  That's been relegated to extras!

We spent much of the day outside - the last two beds are planted up and almost all the plants we have bought are in the ground - just a couple of trees to plant.  We've also enjoyed watching the housemartins dipping low over our pond - they seem to be slowly rebuilding their nest, and possibly another couple are building nearby.  I've done some research this evening, and I think we'll try putting up some cups for them to adopt next year.

I'm aching this evening, and plan a day off tomorrow!